Fisheries Management Research Articles

Rooted in Tradition: Exploring the Integration of Local Wisdom with Sustainability and Education for Future Research

Purpose: This research aims to bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern educational frameworks by identifying key themes that categorize and summarize the main aspects of local wisdom in existing literature, examining the evolution of research on local wisdom over time with a focus on its intersection with sustainability and education, and suggesting areas for further research that can enhance the understanding and application of local wisdom in contemporary contexts. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research is a qualitative study utilizing a literature review method, supported by Search Engine for Articles and Knowledge Maps to identify under-researched topics, particularly in the field of local wisdom in the tourism context. Findings: In conclusion, the body of research underscores the transformative potential of local wisdom in enhancing cultural preservation, fostering sustainable development, empowering communities, improving education, and promoting effective environmental stewardship. By integrating traditional knowledge across various sectors such as governance, tourism, fisheries management, and agriculture, communities can reinforce their regional identity while addressing the challenges posed by globalization and modernization. This integration not only supports ecological sustainability but also encourages a sense of ownership and responsibility towards cultural heritage. The limitations and future research diection will we discussed.

Chromosome-level genome assembly for three geographical stocks of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea)

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) has been demonstrated to be divided into three geographical stocks from south to north along the coast of China, including Nanhai, Mindong, and Daiqu. Although multiple versions of L. crocea have been published, no high-quality Nanhai and Daiqu genomes have been assembled, hampering the assessment of the fine-scale genetic structure and adversely affecting wild stock conservation, fishery management, and germplasm exploitation of large yellow croaker. To fill the gap, we sequenced the genomes of three L. crocea stocks using a combination of PacBio and Hi-C technologies. We assembled each genome (~712 Mb) into 24 chromosomes with a contig N50 of 19.46–29.71 Mb and an integration efficiency of 88.13–92.80%. Furthermore, 26,851–28,133 protein-coding genes were predicted. The reference genomes of three geographical stocks of L. crocea provide vital resources for future research on the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity.

Length–Weight Relationships of Commercial Species in the Eastern Australian Sea Cucumber Fishery

Biological data, such as length–weight relationships, are essential for the management and stewardship of harvested individuals. Sea cucumbers are a lucrative industry globally but many of the associated fisheries lack species-level biological data, which reduces the effectiveness of any management strategy. The Queensland Sea Cucumber Fishery (QSCF) on the Great Barrier Reef is managed through various controls: primarily catch limits, effort limits, zoning, and size restrictions. Over 20 species may be harvested but there is a lack of comprehensive biological data for many of these species, particularly important life history characteristics. This study addresses this knowledge gap by assessing 2621 individual length–weight relationships of key-target sea cucumber species associated with the fishery across the range of the distribution of the species and covering a variety of habitats, depths, sampling times, and management zones. Linear models with log transformations were used to analyse the relationships between length and weight. Results revealed significant positive relationships for all assessed species, with Holothuria atra having the clearest relationship between length and weight (R2 = 0.45). Only negative allometric relationships were observed, as is the case for many species of holothurians. Despite challenges associated with measuring and weighing these soft and elastic animals, results will be useful for understanding length–weight dynamics across species. This research underscores the importance of robust biological data for the effective management of sea cucumber fisheries and ultimately reef health.

A Review of Grouper Fisheries Management in the Southeastern and Caribbean U.S.: Challenges, Successes, and Future Directions

Groupers (Epinephelidae) are ecologically important mesopredators that support valuable fisheries across the globe. Many groupers display slow growth and maturity, high longevity, ontogenetic habitat shifts, spawning-related migrations and aggregations, and protogynous hermaphroditism, which make them susceptible to overexploitation. In this review, I synthesize available information related to the management of grouper fisheries across the southeastern and Caribbean U.S. I highlight current management challenges, such as managing multispecies reef fish fisheries with growing recreational fishing effort. I discuss management interventions with limited success, such as establishing marine protected areas to improve the populations of groupers that display protogynous hermaphroditism. I also highlight management successes, such as recovering historically depleted grouper stocks, and ecosystem-based considerations in grouper stock assessments. I discuss how climate change and anthropogenic effects are expected to affect groupers. Lastly, I provide examples of stakeholder involvement in monitoring and management efforts directed at grouper stocks. The purposes of this review are to demonstrate the complexities of managing grouper fisheries and provide a road map for future research and conservation efforts into these economically and ecologically relevant fishes within and beyond the region.

Ecosystem services assessment of Beledanga oxbow lake in the Gangetic plains: pathways to sustainable conservation

Oxbow lakes, formed from abandoned river meanders, are unique wetlands that play a crucial role in supporting aquatic biodiversity and sustaining local communities through their ecosystem services. This study focuses on the Beledanga oxbow lake, highlighting its ecosystem services and the critical role of hydrological connectivity with the adjacent river for maintaining ecological functionality and sustainability. Using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework, the study assessed provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services through field surveys, stakeholder consultations, and secondary data analysis. Results show that the lake provides essential provisioning services, such as fisheries and irrigation, which support local food security and income generation. It also plays a role in regulating services like water management and carbon sequestration, while its biodiversity underpins vital ecological functions, including nutrient cycling and habitat provision. However, challenges such as seasonal water scarcity and macrophyte infestation threaten the lake's productivity and connectivity with the river. The study emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts involving local stakeholders to devise water management strategies and remove macrophytes, utilizing government initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for funding. Additionally, the establishment of robust monitoring systems for sustainable fisheries management and incentive programs for conservation efforts are recommended. The research highlights the importance of hydrological connectivity in sustaining the lake's ecosystem services and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating local knowledge and stakeholder engagement, this study provides valuable insights into the sustainable management of oxbow lakes and highlights the broader significance of river-oxbow lake connectivity in wetland conservation efforts. The findings also have implications for broader wetland conservation policies in similar ecosystems.

The Benefits of Hierarchical Ecosystem Models: Demonstration Using EcoState, a New State‐Space Mass‐Balance Model

ABSTRACTEcosystem models predict changes in productivity and status for multiple species, and are important for incorporating climate‐linked dynamics in ecosystem‐based fisheries management. However, fishery regulations are primarily informed by single‐species stock assessment models, which estimate unexplained variation in dynamics (e.g., recruitment, survival, fishery selectivity, etc) using random effects. We review the general benefits of estimating random effects in ecosystem models: (1) better representing biomass cycles and trends for focal species; (2) conditioning interactions upon observed biomass for predators and prey; (3) easier replication of model results using formal estimation rather than informal model “tuning;” and (4) attributing process errors via comparison amongst different models. We then demonstrate these by introducing a new state‐space model EcoState (and associated R‐package) that extends mass balance dynamics from Ecopath with Ecosim. This model estimates mass balance (Ecopath) and time‐dynamics (Ecosim) parameters directly via their fit to time‐series data (biomass indices and fisheries catches) while also estimating the magnitude of process errors using RTMB. A real‐world application involving Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the eastern Bering Sea suggests that fluctuations in krill consumption are associated with cycles of increased and decreased pollock production. A self‐test simulation experiment confirms that estimating process errors can improve estimates of productivity (growth and mortality) rates. Overall, we show that state‐space mass‐balance models can be fitted to time‐series data (similar to surplus‐production stock assessment models), and can attribute time‐varying productivity to both bottom‐up and top‐down drivers including the contribution of individual predator and prey interactions.

Status of fishery resource management through an ecosystem approach in the several fishery management models in the Kampar River, Riau Province, Indonesia

The Kampar River's high fish diversity dramatically benefits the local community. However, overfishing threatens the river's fishery resources. Urgent and concerted management efforts, including local wisdom implementation, are crucial to address this pressing issue. Law Number 45 of 2009 concerning Fisheries mandates sustainable fishery resource management, primarily through an ecosystem-based approach. From January to June 2024, researchers conducted a study in the Kampar River area to assess the status of ecosystem-based fishery resource management across several management models. The research combined qualitative and quantitative methods, using purposive sampling to select 5-10 participants from each village. Following guidelines from the Directorate of Fish Resources, the study developed indicators for each domain and converted them into composite indicators using the 'flag modeling' technique. Data analysis showed that the Lubuk Larangan management model achieved the highest ecosystem-based fishery resource status, scoring 13,374 points (green). The individual auction system, communal auction system, and government regulations scored 13,168, 13,120, and 10,899 points respectively (yellow). These results highlight the effectiveness of local wisdom-based approaches in sustainable fishery resource management for the Kampar River ecosystem.

Examining the presence and effects of coherence and fragmentation in the Gulf of Maine fishery management network

Natural resource management networks cohere due to mutual dependencies and fragment, in part, due to the perceived risks of interaction. However, research on these networks has tended to accept coherence a priori rather than problematizing dependence, and few studies exist on interorganizational risk perception. This article presents the results of a study operationalizing these concepts and measuring the distribution of three types of dependence (capital, legitimacy, and regulatory) and two types of perceived risk (performance and sanction) among nearly fifty stakeholder groups and organizations participating in the management of fisheries in the binational Gulf of Maine. The analysis reveals an organizationally diverse network with several stakeholder types participating, with communications clustered binationally, with low levels of perceived risk in interacting, and interdependencies cohering the network. The types of interorganizational dependence present varied across dyadic relationships, but legitimacy dependence, based on shared understandings that organizations should work together, was the most present and had the largest effect on collaboration-oriented network traits. Sanction risk was more common than performance risk but had the most substantial negative effect. The results suggest an opportunity for additional studies of interorganizational dependance and perceived risk to operationalize and measure the sources of network coherence and fragmentation and their effect on collaboration.

A Comprehensive Study on Sustainable Fisheries and Environmental Factors in an Eastern Mediterranean Freshwater Lake

It was aimed to determine the fishery potential of a freshwater lake in the Eastern Mediterranean where fishing is prohibited, however considered to be reopened for fishing activities. Kocagöl is located on the western part of the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Fisheries is important for the local people for livelihood. Especially, the Mugilid catch is important for local Mediterranean small-scale fishermen. Fishery related parameters (Catch per Unit Effort, growth, mortality, exploitation rate, reference points), biomass, physical (temperature, salinity, pH, turbidity and dissolved oxygen) and chemical (nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen and total phosphorus) water parameters were determined. A generalized linear model was established between catch and physical environmental parameters. In general, exploitation rates of the main target, Mugilidae, species are at safe levels. However, selectivity and Lopt parameters showed that the mesh sizes should be increased to provide more sustainable fishery in the area. A controlled fishing practice in this fragile and sensitive area will constitute an environment for the sustainable use of fishery resources in the region. According to results, limit reference points are better for fisheries management plans. This study is an example for eastern Mediterranean freshwater fishery management regulations.

Population dynamics of grey mackerel fish (Thunnus tonggol) caught in fishery management areas (WPP 711)

Grey mackerel is a fish that originates from tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This pelagic fish has very important economic value in the Indonesian fishing industry. Grey mackerel production in WPP 711 using gillnet fishing gear has shown a fluctuating trend in recent years. This research is to estimate the stock of grey mackerel fish caught by fishermen who landed at PPN Pemangkat and Sungai Rengas Fishing Port. This research uses two data collection methods, namely primary and secondary data collection. The results of data analysis of the relationship between length and weight in the catch of grey tuna fish of 1,015 total fish samples produced the equation W = 0.0929x2.5504 (r2 = 0.8764) with a value of 0.0929 and the b value of 2,5504. Based on the results of the t-test, it shows that the value of b 3 in the growth pattern is negative allometric, meaning that the relationship between length and weight has a slow and rapid increase in weight compared to the increase in length. The landed grey mackerel had a growth rate coefficient (K) = 0.40. Tuna fish obtained a total mortality value (Z) of 1.81/ year. The exploitation rate (E) of grey tuna caught is 0.28/ year, which means the exploitation rate is still relatively low.Keywords: Gray mackerel; Pelagic Fish; Population dynamics; WPP 711Grey mackerel is a fish that originates from tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. This pelagic fish has very important economic value in the Indonesian fishing industry. Grey mackerel production in WPP 711 using gillnet fishing gear has shown a fluctuating trend in recent years. This research is to estimate the stock of grey mackerel fish caught by fishermen who landed at PPN Pemangkat and Sungai Rengas Fishing Port. This research uses two data collection methods, namely primary and secondary data collection. The results of data analysis of the relationship between length and weight in the catch of grey tuna fish of 1,015 total fish samples produced the equation W = 0.0929x2.5504 (r2 = 0.8764) with a value of 0.0929 and the b value of 2,5504. Based on the results of the t-test, it shows that the value of b 3 in the growth pattern is negative allometric, meaning that the relationship between length and weight has a slow and rapid increase in weight compared to the increase in length. The landed grey mackerel had a growth rate coefficient (K) = 0.40. Tuna fish obtained a total mortality value (Z) of 1.81/ year. The exploitation rate (E) of grey tuna caught is 0.28/ year, which means the exploitation rate is still relatively low. Keywords: Gray mackerel; Pelagic Fish; Population dynamics; WPP 711

Connectivity of scamp Mycteroperca phenax populations in the United States Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean

Connectivity among marine fish populations not only arises through the movement of adults but also through larval dispersal facilitated by ocean currents. For species with long pelagic larval duration and high site fidelity as adults, larval dispersal can be the dominant mechanism of connectivity among otherwise spatially distinct populations. Therefore, when assessing the recruitment dynamics or population structure of such species, it is essential to evaluate how larval biology and reproductive ecology interact with oceanographic circulation. To investigate this interaction for scamp Mycteroperca phenax, a grouper found in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, we simulated the dispersal of millions of virtual larvae throughout the scamp’s range near the southeastern USA. We found a pattern of local retention, with larvae tending to settle close to their spawning location. There was also, however, long-distance dispersal that consistently crossed the boundary between spatial management units. Due to directional patterns in oceanographic transport and spatial differences in abundance, almost one-third of the virtual larvae that settled in the Atlantic came from spawning locations in the Gulf of Mexico, although most of these settled near the boundary between the regions. These patterns were robust to a variety of sensitivity analyses, but the magnitude of connectivity between management units varied. This connectivity has significant implications for stock assessment and fishery management. It may increase the resilience of Atlantic populations, but it also means that the sustainability of Atlantic populations may rely, in part, on the health of spawning populations in the Gulf of Mexico.

Long‐distance Friends and Collective Action in Fisheries Management

Long‐distance Friends and Collective Action in Fisheries Management

Contribution of fish to food and nutrition security in Southern Africa: challenges and opportunities in fish production.

This study investigated the role of fish in addressing food and nutrition security challenges in Southern Africa, focusing on 10 countries including Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and South Africa. It examined the current state of food and nutrition security, fish production, and fish consumption patterns. Additionally, the study investigated the challenges and opportunities to enhance fish production in these countries thereby enhancing food and nutrition security. The findings revealed persistent challenges such as a high prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition throughout the region. Fish production is hindered by overexploitation of fishery resources, inadequate fisheries management, susceptibility to climate-related shocks, limited investments in aquaculture, and inadequate access to input supplies such as quality fish seed and feed. Despite these obstacles, opportunities exist to promote sustainable fish production to enhance food security and nutrition. Countries endowed with extensive coastlines and inland waters exhibit significant potential for fishery development, while landlocked nations are increasingly exploring aquaculture as a viable solution. Addressing the challenges in fish production and capitalizing on opportunities requires comprehensive governance, technological innovation, policy interventions, and investment to ensure the sustainability and resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture industries in the region.

Biological traits and population dynamics for sustainable harvesting of Carcinus maenas

Research focusing on the biological patterns and population dynamics of Carcinus maenas has not been conducted for the purpose of fishery management along the European coastal systems. This has led to the implementation of fisheries management policies without scientific considerations, adversely affecting fishery profitability. To addrees this gap, we studied the crab species’ population dynamics, reproductive biology, and growth patterns across different Portuguese lagoons and estuaries on a monthly basis from 2019 to 2021. Surveys were performed in the Southern (Ria Formosa lagoon and Ria Alvor estuary), Central (Sado river/estuary) and Northern regions (Ria Aveiro estuary) of Portugal. Monthly biological data was used to analyse size-frequency distributions, sex ratios, spawning seasons, recruitment pulses, estimate carapace width at first maturaty and biological growth parameters. It was observed that spawning occurs almost year-round in all systems, with a peak in the colder months, between September and March. In the southern regions of the Portuguese coast, the spawning period starts earlier than in the central and northern systems, with a higher sex ratio recorded for females in all systems. The carapace width at which 50 % (CW50) of individuals reach maturity is similar for both sexes, around 30 mm, a value below to the minimum landing size enforced in Portugal. The analysis of von Bertalanffy growth curves revealed a continuous recruitment with a peak during the colder months, with individuals reaching the size at maturation after six months. The fast growth and continuous recruitment leds to the existence of between four and six growth cohorts for both sexes across all system. The findings of this study can contribute to more effective fisheries management policies for C. maenas in Portugal, such as a reduction of the minimum landing size.

Spawning Potential Ratio Can Provide Reference Points for Fishery Management That Are Robust to Environmental Variability

Biological reference points are key quantities provided by stock assessments and used in fishery management for evaluating fishery status and setting future catch levels. For many fisheries worldwide, biological reference points are based on the spawning potential ratio (SPR), which measures per-recruit reproductive output as a function of the fishing rate relative to that when fishing is absent. SPR depends on the biological characteristics of the stock, which in turn can be influenced by the environment. A fishing rate based on SPR is often used as a proxy for the fishing rate that provides maximum sustainable yield. Here, we evaluate variability in the fishing rate (F40) that provides an SPR of 40%, a commonly used limit reference point, given plausible variability in biological characteristics. Using eight case-study species from marine waters off the southeast United States, we consider both simple random variability and directional variability, both of which might result from climate change. We test the sensitivity of F40 to various life-history traits and compute distributions of F40, given the expected variability in those traits. Based on those distributions, we evaluate the probabilities of overfishing given a target fishing rate (here, 75%F40) that is based on prevailing conditions without considering future variability in F40, consistent with common, current practice. Analyses also considered an SPR of 30% and 50% to evaluate the generality of conclusions. Results support that SPR-reference points are generally robust to plausible levels of variability in life-history traits that might be induced by environmental nonstationarity and that associated target fishing rates can provide meaningful buffers to prevent overfishing.

Mapping Potential Fishing Zones for Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Using Satellite Imagery

Fisheries are an important economic sector for many countries, including Indonesia. Bone Bay has high potential for skipjack (Katsuwonus pelamis) fishing. This study aims to map potential skipjack fishing zones in Bone Bay and analyze the relationship between sea surface temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration with the catch of these fish. Using quantitative methods and probability sampling techniques, primary data were obtained through direct observation of fishing activities using the pole and line method, while secondary data were obtained from satellite images downloaded from the Oceancolor website. The results showed that the potential zones for skipjack fishing are located at coordinates 3o0’0”LS-4o30’0”LS and 120o30’0”BT-121o0’0” BT. The findings are expected to help stakeholders make strategic decisions for more effective and susstainable fisheries management.

A hundred years of Pacific halibut management in the context of global events and trends in fisheries management

The Convention for the Preservation of the Halibut Fisheries of the Northern Pacific Ocean, signed between Canada and the United States of America on 2 March 1923 and ratified on 21 October 1924, established the International Fisheries Commission, renamed in 1953 to the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC). It was the first international agreement for joint management of a marine fishery resource and a major milestone for development of modern standards for marine conservation. The IPHC’s centennial year is an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable history of the Commission, but also reflect on challenges that shaped its mission. Born from alarms about overfishing during World War I, the Commission gradually gained authority to implement a wide range of conservation measures through established public confidence in its basis for decisions. This paper explores the evolution of management measures applied to Pacific halibut commercial fishing shaped not only by the changing stock conditions and growing demand for seafood, but also global events and trends in fisheries management. It examines the impact of rapid commercialization of fisheries driven by population growth and technological improvements, establishment of exclusive economic zones and altered access to fishing grounds, and adoption of Agenda 21, which highlighted the importance of balancing environmental, economic, and social aspects in fisheries management. It concludes by discussing the lessons learned over the past century and their implications for future fisheries management, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, adaptive strategies, and science-based policies in sustaining transboundary fish stocks like the Pacific halibut.

Spatial Heterogeneity and Seasonality of Phytoplankton Responses to Marine Heatwaves in the Northeast Pacific

Abstract Marine heatwaves (MHWs) have emerged as a recurrent phenomenon in the Northeast Pacific (NEP) since 2013, with significant ecological and economic consequences. However, our understanding of the impacts of these events on phytoplankton, the primary producers in the marine food web, remains incomplete. In this study, we elucidated the phytoplankton responses during MHWs in the NEP between 1998 and 2022 and revealed contrasting phytoplankton chlorophyll anomalies between the north and south of the Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front (TZCF). Specifically, chlorophyll shows a marked increase north of the TZCF but a decrease south of it, with the most pronounced negative anomalies centered on the TZCF. Additionally, this chlorophyll response exhibits remarkable seasonal variation in space and time, consistent with the seasonal migration of the TZCF. Weakened subpolar southward Ekman transport, which may have resulted in reduced phytoplankton nutrient supply, is likely to be the major contributor to the negative chlorophyll response in this frontal region. Our results highlight the importance of previously unrecognized spatial and temporal heterogeneity of phytoplankton responses to MHWs in the NEP, which may provide insights for future ecosystem conservation and fisheries management in the NEP under MHWs. 



Biological Aspects of Sphyraena sphyraena (L., 1758) in the Central Mediterranean (E. Ionian Sea)

S. sphyraena is a widely distributed species with low commercial value and no sufficient scientific knowledge of its biology. In the present study, the age, growth, weight–length relationship, otolith morphometry, and reproduction of the species were investigated in the Eastern Ionian Sea for the first time. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L∞ = 63.65 cm, k = 0.14 year−1 and t0 = −2.01 years and Φ′ = 2.75. The negative allometric growth in weight was found. Slope b of the weight–length relationship was 2.634. For the otolith moprhometry, the variables radius, length, width, area, perimeter, roundness, circularity, form factor, rectangularity, and ellipticity were examined, which showed that the otolith shape is elongated with an elliptical and rectangular form. Six otolith variables (radius, length, width, area, perimeter, and ellipticity) showed a significant relationship with size. The sex ratio (females/males) was 1:0.74 (no statistically significant difference from 1:1), and the spawning season extended from April to June with peak values of GSI in May for females and April for males. The results of this work improve our knowledge of the species life cycle and provide basic information for species stock identification and fisheries management.

Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) stocks in South American waters and its implications for fishery management

Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is a highly prized resource in markets due to the quality of its meat. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) implemented controls and regulations in response to the sharp rise in the illegal fishing of D. eleginoides in the 1990s. Today, four fisheries in waters close to the southern tip of South America are managed in accordance with stringent sustainability standards. Even though they are separate management units, both abundance assessments and annual catch allocations are conducted using different criteria regarding stock considerations across the region, leaving one of the fundamental premises of fisheries management unclear. This study examines historical data and recent research to explore the potential differentiation between Patagonian toothfish populations in South American waters, which is crucial for the management of diverse fisheries. Genetic studies, otolith microchemistry, morphometry, parasitic fauna, tagging programs, reproductive characteristics, and the impact of ocean circulation on dispersal and recruitment were analyzed. Tagging studies in the southern hemisphere oceans confirm the species’ affinity to specific habitats, suggesting minimal fish exchange between South American fishing grounds. From a fisheries perspective, this review suggests the existence of distinct stocks of the species structured along the shelf and slope of the southern cone of America based on reproduction areas along the continental shelves and slope, the diverse parasitic fauna, the variability in stable isotopes and trace elements of otoliths, and the little significant exchange of fish between current fishing grounds. All of this could lead to considering the D. eleginoides fishery as independent exploitation units.